Village could be
swamped by more housing

Published:12:00Wednesday 05 June 2013

DEVELOPERS have announced plans to build 66 new homes in Northiam.

Persimmon Homes want to build on a 24 acre site off Station Road.

They say the development will comprise high-quality, traditional two-storey family homes with garages, off-street parking and gardens and will include a ‘substantial area of public open space for residents to enjoy, including a natural play area.’

They have also said they will provide a new community facility; the exact nature of which will be decided through consultation with the community.

The development will include 24 affordable homes.

A public exhibition takes place at Northiam Village Hall on Tuesday from 3pm - 8pm where the developers will showcase their plans to the local community.

But opposition has already been voiced.

Northiam resident Vincent Matthews said: “It will increase the village by over ten percent and have a devastating affect.

“The Government’s brutal, ill thought out housing policy has effectively removed a lot of power and control away from our local authority.

“Currently, this land is not designated for development. Dense town houses and a lot of tarmac or concrete would just be wrong for Northiam.

“Total new residents could be 235, putting a strain on existing services and creating extra traffic, with potentially additional 156 cars on our roads and increased parking, which will grow as the children grow up.

“My concern is not only will these proposed double storey houses dwarf the existing single storey dwellings but the sheer density will not respect their locality and setting. They will be visible from the road from people living on the other side of Station Road and they will be visible in the gaps between the existing bungalows.

“They will not be sensitive to their setting.”

Martin Cooper, head of strategic land, Persimmon Homes South East said: “We have met with representatives from Northiam Parish Council, Ward and County Councillors and Northiam Conservation Society to discuss our plans.

“ We are very much looking forward to hearing community views at the public exhibition.”